Signs to go up after crashes

Residents in homes backing on to John Archibald Drive are at their wit’s end after yet another serious crash on Sunday morning.

There have been three crashes in the past year at the roundabout at Tingle Avenue, including two in the past fortnight.

Margaret River police have previously targeted the strip which connects Bussell Highway and the bypass, with hoon drivers a recurring issue. But a group of residents, who asked not to be named this week, said hoons were only “50 per cent” of the problem.

“It’s not just hooning,” one resident said. “That happens as well. But there’s a big percentage of people driving into that (Tingle Avenue) roundabout too fast.

“It has been really, really traumatic. People need to understand the consequences of speeding along that road.”

At about 4am on Sunday, a lone female driver hit the roundabout and relied on help from residents to call an ambulance.

Residents arranged to move the crashed car blocking one lane.

The residents have engaged in talks with police and the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River since early March, demanding a solution beyond a regular police presence.

Neighbours were fed up with the problem. “It’s not getting anywhere,” the resident said.

Margaret River police sergeant Luke Fowler confirmed the spike in recent incidents.

“I suspect speed and inattention are playing a significant role in the incidents,” he said. “Police will be spending more time over the following days on John Archibald conducting speed detection and enforcement. I’ll also be talking to the Shire about what other strategies could be considered to make that particular stretch of road safer (such as) better signage, lighting, rumble strips etc, for longer-term solutions.”

Following correspondence with residents, Shire acting sustainable development and infrastructure director Nick Logan said signs would be installed to the east and west of the roundabout.

“The Shire will also commission an independent road-safety audit and consult further with Main Roads WA and the local police to determine whether other countermeasures are required,” he said.

Speed was a major factor in the crashes, but the 60km/h limit remained appropriate.